Does Express Entry accept both tests?

Yes. IRCC lists TCF Canada and TEF Canada as accepted French tests, subject to current program rules.

Can I compare TCF and TEF raw scores?

No. Their scales and calibration differ; compare the NCLC reached in each ability.

Must TEF Canada be taken on the same day?

Yes. The operator says the four immigration tests must be taken on the same day; follow your centre's instructions.

Which test is easier?

No official source declares one easier. Compare centre, date, fee and the format you can practise.

Which score column do I enter for IRCC?

Follow the current IRCC page and the column identified on your certificate; do not self-convert one test scale into the other.

TCF Canada vs TEF Canada: Which Should You Choose?

IRCC accepts both TCF Canada and TEF Canada for Express Entry. Results must be converted ability by ability to NCLC, so raw scores are not directly comparable. TCF Canada has 39 listening questions, 39 reading questions, 3 writing tasks and 3 speaking tasks; immigration TEF Canada has 40 reading questions, 40 listening questions, two writing sections and two speaking sections, all taken on the same day. Choose based on your target program, local centre and the format you can practise consistently.

Train timed listening sets View membership plans

IRCC acceptance and validity

IRCC lists both tests as accepted French language tests. For Express Entry, results must be less than two years old when you complete the profile and when you submit the permanent-residence application. The brand does not change the program's language threshold.

TCF Canada: four tests in 2 hours 47 minutes

FEI lists 39 listening questions in 35 minutes, 39 reading questions in 60 minutes, 3 writing tasks in 60 minutes and 3 speaking tasks in 12 minutes, including 2 minutes of preparation for task 2. Listening and reading are reported on 100–699; writing and speaking out of 20.

TEF Canada: 40 questions and two expression sections

The official TEF page lists, for immigration, 40 reading questions in 60 minutes, 40 listening questions in 40 minutes, 60 minutes of writing (section A: at least 80 words; section B: at least 200 words), and 15 minutes of speaking in two sections. All four tests must be taken on the same day.

Do not compare raw scores

TCF and TEF scales are not interchangeable. A TEF certificate includes a calibrated score and CLB level, and IRCC specifies which certificate column to enter. Compare the NCLC reached in each ability and the target program threshold, not the raw number alone.

Choose by logistics, not an easier-test promise

No official source declares either test easier. Compare dates, centres, fees and delivery conditions, then choose the format you can practise consistently. Site practice supports skills and pacing; it cannot guarantee a score or immigration eligibility.

Frequently asked questions

Does Express Entry accept both tests?: Yes. IRCC lists TCF Canada and TEF Canada as accepted French tests, subject to current program rules.
Can I compare TCF and TEF raw scores?: No. Their scales and calibration differ; compare the NCLC reached in each ability.
Must TEF Canada be taken on the same day?: Yes. The operator says the four immigration tests must be taken on the same day; follow your centre's instructions.
Which test is easier?: No official source declares one easier. Compare centre, date, fee and the format you can practise.
Which score column do I enter for IRCC?: Follow the current IRCC page and the column identified on your certificate; do not self-convert one test scale into the other.

Official source

2026-08-23.

Start focused practice

Related guides

This page provides educational information only and is not legal or immigration advice.